Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and Archbishop William E. Lori –
as chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on
Pro-Life Activities and Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty,
respectively – commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing
the Conscience Protection Act of 2016 (S. 304) on July 13 in a 245-182
bipartisan vote.

"We're grateful to House Speaker Paul Ryan for
bringing the Conscience Protection Act to a vote, to all the co-sponsors
for their leadership, and to those members of both parties who support
the civil right of conscience," Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Lori said.
"Even those who disagree on the life issue should be able to respect
the conscience rights of those who wish not to be involved in supporting
abortion."

If enacted into law, the Conscience Protection Act
"will ensure that those providing much-needed health care and health
coverage can continue to do so without being forced to help destroy
innocent unborn children," they wrote. "It will also provide an
effective remedy to victims of abortion coercion."

"The vast
majority of medical personnel – and 85% of OB-GYNs, specifically – do
not want to be involved in abortion. Whether their reasons are religious
or non-religious, their conscientious objection to abortion is worthy
of the highest respect and protection," they said.

The
Conscience Protection Act offers much-needed protection for religious
employers, as well. "In light of disturbing recent developments, even
churches and religious organizations are being required to cover
abortions in violation of their beliefs," they said.

"We now urge
Congress to move this vital legislation forward as part of this year's
must-pass appropriations package," Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Lori
said.

For more on the bishops' promotion of conscience rights,
including a video about a nurse who was coerced to take part in a
late-term abortion, visit: www.usccb.org/conscience.